British Business Delegation Visits Bangladesh to Source Products from Women-Led SMEs

Strategic Insights -

A 4-day visit to Bangladesh by a British business delegation has begun, aiming to source products from women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The delegation will meet 80 entrepreneurs in Dhaka and Chattogram, representing 9 British firms, and engage in two workshops on government procurement policies for women entrepreneurs. This initiative is facilitated by the SME Foundation, International Trade Center, SheTrades Bangladesh Hub, and the Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The visit is expected to play a vital role in increasing the formal export capacity of women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.

Key Takeaways:

  • The British business delegation, representing 9 firms, aims to source products from 80 women-led SMEs in Bangladesh during their 4-day visit.
  • The initiative is jointly facilitated by the SME Foundation, International Trade Center, SheTrades Bangladesh Hub, and the Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
  • SME Foundation Chairperson Md Mushfiqur Rahman emphasized the potential of the initiative in increasing the formal export capacity of women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.
  • British High Commission official Martin Dawson stated that the UK is strengthening its trading partnership with Bangladesh by connecting British buyers with women entrepreneurs in the country.
  • Two workshops will be held during the visit focusing on government procurement policies for women entrepreneurs.
  • Bangladeshi exports to the UK totaled $3.4 billion during the June-March period of the 2024-25 fiscal year, an increase of 5.5% from the previous period.

Statistics:

  • $3.4 billion: Total Bangladeshi exports to the UK during the June-March period of the 2024-25 fiscal year.
  • 5.5%: Increase in Bangladeshi exports to the UK during the June-March period of the 2024-25 fiscal year compared to the previous period.
  • 80: Number of entrepreneurs that the delegation will meet in Dhaka and Chattogram.
  • 9: Number of British firms represented in the delegation.
  • 4: Number of days of the visit.

Sources:

  • SME Foundation press release
  • ITC SheTrades Bangladesh Hub
  • Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • British High Commission in Dhaka